Matthew 12:12
Matthew 12:12 in Multiple Translations
How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”
How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.
How much then is a man of more value than a sheep! Wherefore it is lawful to do good on the sabbath day.
Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! For this reason it is right to do good on the Sabbath day.
“Don't you think a human being is worth much more than a sheep? So yes, you are allowed to do good on the Sabbath.”
How much more then is a man better then a sheepe? therefore, it is lawfull to doe well on a Sabbath day.
How much better, therefore, is a man than a sheep? — so that it is lawful on the sabbaths to do good.'
Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath day.”
How much then is a man better than a sheep? wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.
How much better is a man than a sheep? Therefore it is lawful to do a good deed on the sabbath days.
Because sheep are valuable, their owners may work on our day of rest in order to rescue them. So, because people are more valuable than sheep, it is certainly right for us to do something good by healing another person any day, including our day of rest!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Matthew 12:12
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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Matthew 12:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — Matthew 12:12
Study Notes — Matthew 12:12
- Context
- Cross References
- Matthew 12:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Matthew 12:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 12:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 12:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 12:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 12:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Matthew 12:12
- Cambridge Bible on Matthew 12:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 12:12
- Sermons on Matthew 12:12
Context — Jesus Heals on the Sabbath
12How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”
13Then Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out, and it was restored to full use, just like the other. 14But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 6:26 | Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns—and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? |
| 2 | Luke 6:9 | Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” |
| 3 | Mark 3:4 | And He asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” But they were silent. |
| 4 | Matthew 10:31 | So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. |
| 5 | Luke 12:24 | Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storehouse or barn; yet God feeds them. How much more valuable you are than the birds! |
Matthew 12:12 Summary
In Matthew 12:12, Jesus teaches that people are more valuable than animals, and it's okay to help someone in need, even on the Sabbath day of rest (Exodus 20:8-11). This means that we should prioritize showing kindness and love to others, even when it might seem inconvenient. By doing so, we can follow Jesus' example and demonstrate the importance of compassion and care for one another, just as He did in healing the man with the withered hand (Matthew 12:13). This kind of love and kindness is at the heart of what it means to follow Jesus and live out our faith (Matthew 22:37-40).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jesus saying about the value of human life in Matthew 12:12?
Jesus is emphasizing that human life is more valuable than that of animals, as seen in the comparison between a man and a sheep, and therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath, just as one would rescue a sheep in need (Matthew 12:11).
Is Jesus contradicting the Sabbath law in Matthew 12:12?
No, Jesus is not contradicting the Sabbath law, but rather interpreting it in a way that prioritizes human well-being and kindness, as commanded in Exodus 20:8-11 and Deuteronomy 5:12-15.
How does this verse relate to the concept of rest and work?
This verse highlights the importance of balance between rest and work, as Jesus teaches that doing good and showing kindness is not a violation of the Sabbath rest, but rather a necessary expression of love and compassion, as seen in Mark 2:27.
What is the significance of Jesus' statement in the context of the Pharisees' question?
Jesus' statement is a response to the Pharisees' question about healing on the Sabbath, and it shows that Jesus prioritizes human need and compassion over strict adherence to tradition and rules, as seen in Matthew 12:10.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply Jesus' teaching about the value of human life to my interactions with others this week?
- In what ways can I prioritize kindness and compassion, even on days of rest or relaxation?
- How can I balance the need for rest and relaxation with the need to show love and care for others, as Jesus models in this verse?
- What are some ways that I can 'do good' and show kindness to those around me, just as Jesus did in healing the man with the withered hand?
Gill's Exposition on Matthew 12:12
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 12:12
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 12:12
Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 12:12
Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 12:12
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Matthew 12:12
Cambridge Bible on Matthew 12:12
Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 12:12
Sermons on Matthew 12:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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John Wesley's Explanatory Notes - Matthew 12 by John Wesley | John Wesley explains Matthew 12, emphasizing the importance of mercy over sacrifice and the authority of Christ over the Sabbath. He illustrates how necessity can justify actions t |
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(Genesis) Genesis 1:6-8 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the firmament as mentioned in the Bible. They explain that the firmament refers to the space or air between the waters above an |
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More Worth Then Birds (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the care and love that God has for His people. He highlights the fact that God knows every detail about us, even the number of hairs on our |
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You Have to Love Jesus to Follow Him by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of preaching in a small church and witnessing sparrows pecking at the driveway. Through this observation, the preacher ref |
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(Daniel) the 70 Weeks of Daniel by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the prophecy of the 70 weeks in the book of Daniel. He explains that God had a specific plan and timeline for the redemption of Israel. The sp |
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2000 Advent Week 1 - Joseph of Arimathea by John Piper | In this sermon transcript, the speaker reflects on the lack of courage and faith among the people of Jerusalem, particularly those who had been with Jesus. The focus then shifts to |
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Our Gracious God by Brain Brodersen by Brian Brodersen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of having the right concept of God for our spiritual well-being, highlighting God's desire to bless, keep, smile upon, be gracious, be attenti |







